Introduction to DeArmond's Trem-Trol

Since, to get started, the first thing you may want to do is hear a DeArmond Tremolo unit, a sound clip is here (MP3 format). The clip is in three parts. First no tremolo, then fast, then slow. This clip was made with a 1955 Gretsch Country Club through a 1950s Champ-size Rickenbacker amp, 6-inch speaker. More sound clips coming.

Also have a look at this DeArmond tremolo article from Guitar Buyer magazine in the UK, featuring Bo Diddley (and me, but mostly Bo), from May 2007.

Prices and chances of finding a DeArmond tremolo unit? See below.

 

DeArmond Trem-Trol

DeAmond's original Tremolo Control (Trem-Trol) units first appeared somewhere between 1946 and 1948. They are purely mechanical devices. The tremolo effect is produced by reducing the volume of the input signal from the guitar (or other instrument) to the amplifier, several times a second. Internally, this is accomplished by grounding the input signal through a water-based electrolytic "hydro-fluid".

The water-based method by which the input signal is grounded, as you would guess, gives the DeArmond tremolo units their unique liquid sound. Here is basically how it works:

• A guitar or other instrument plugs into the tremolo unit, which is plugged into the amplifier.

• Inside the tremolo unit is a liquid filled brass and glass canister, filled halfway with what DeArmond called a "hydro-fluid". The body of the canister is connected to ground. Inside the canister, insulated from the body, is an exposed pin connected to the incoming signal from the guitar.

• A motor shakes the canister. When shaken, the liquid inside the canister splashes against the pin, sending the guitar signal to ground - meaning, the volume is reduced with every splash.

"Hydro-Fluid"

DeArmond's hydro-fluid is a water-based electrolytic fluid, meaning it can conduct the signal coming from the guitar - the fluid is part of the circuit. Although it seems like it would be permanently sealed within the brass canister, the fluid typically dries out over the years. But it can be refilled. The fluid was NOT MERCURY, as some people assume. In fact, the reason I became curious about the DeArmond tremolo units in the first place, years ago, is by wondering, if it were mercury, where did it go?

Every DeArmond canister dries out. Remember liquid mercury from chemistry class? Mercury is too thick to leak. Although it can evaporate, even in the late 1940's the dangers were known and I suspected mercury would have been sealed in a glass bulb the way mercury switches are today. And besides, the term used in DeArmond's brochures, "hydro-fluid," obviously implies water.

The hydro-fluid can be restored using Windex (yes, the blue glass cleaner that has been on the market for decades in the US). After a long search, I received this information secondhand, from someone who had spoken to an ex-DeArmond employee. I do not know if DeArmond originally used Windex brand, or its chemical equivalent. However, Windex conducts the guitar signal perfectly.

Note: Don't even think about refilling the canisters in these units with mercury, or replacing the canister with a mercury switch. Mercury is dangerous, isn't correct to the liquid sound of DeArmond units, and mercury will "click" with each oscillation, making it unusable. Mercury would also create an abrupt square-wave tremolo, either completely on or off, and not the smooth water-like tremolo sound of an original DeArmond unit. (I acquired a unit ruined by someone who tried to fix it by replacing the original brass canister with a mercury switch. Now to restore it I need to replicate the original brass and glass canister. Grrrr!!)

Speed control

The other beautiful part of the DeArmond mechanism is the method by which the tremolo speed is controlled. A motor is used to shake the canister. A tapered pin extends from the motor's shaft. Pressing against that pin, somewhere along the taper, is a rubber-edged wheel. The wheel's hub is slightly off center. When the motor is on, the pin causes the wheel to turn, which causes the wheel's true center to move back and forth. Because the hydro-fluid canister is attached to the true center of the wheel the canister gently rocks.

DeArmond's speed adjustment control (the dial on the right, which is a mechanical cam-like linkage, not a potentiometer) moves the rubber-edged wheel along the tapered pin. Pressed against the far, narrow end of the pin, the wheel rotates more slowly. At the fatter end of the pin, the wheel rotates faster. The motor's speed remains constant.

Subtractive tremolo

The peak volume of the tremolo is virtually the same volume as if the tremolo were not connected. However, with the tremolo on, the volume of the signal is lowered several times a second. The end result is a tremolo unit that reduces the apparent overall volume of the sound. So be prepared to turn up the volume on your guitar or your amplifier when using a DeArmond tremolo.

Restoration

Restoring a non-functioning DeArmond tremolo typically means refilling the canister. To do this you will need:

• a soldering iron

• de-soldering braid or a de-soldering bulb

• Windex

• a syringe (I use a version available at hobby stores)

In the 601, 60A and 60B models (the box-shaped models) the brass canisters are easier to access. The 800 model foot pedal is a little more difficult, requiring some disassembly to gain access to the canister. With any model, the canister itself does not need to be removed from its position in the assembly. However, on the foot-pedal model, the entire assembly needs to come out to gain access to the canister.
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WARNING: Be sure to UNPLUG the unit before any attempt at disassembly. Also, do not attempt to restore this unit unless you are certain you know what you are doing, know how to solder, and take all necessary precautions. The power cord, and the instrument cable, often deteriorate over the decades. Therefore be sure to inspect these cords, and be prepared to replace the power cord if necessary.

Another warning - DO NOT try to disassemble the canister. There is no need. The inner glass sleeve is very breakable and extemely difficult to replace.
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I'll describe how to restore a DeArmond tremolo using the older brown, metal box versions as an example (models 601 or 60A). The 60B (molded plastic box) and the 800 foot-pedal models require different methods of disassembly – their internal mechanisms are arranged a bit diferently, although their brass canisters and the tremolo they produce are identical.

To gain access to, and refill the canister, on a model 601 (metal box) unit:

1. Unplug the tremolo unit. Remove the metal cover by removing the four screws holding it in place. Spin the rubber-edged wheel to make sure the springs and linkages are in place and operating correctly.

2. Locate the brass cansiter. Remove the solder that covers the canister's fill hole. (The fill hole is opposite from the end that has the braided copper signal wire attached. Or simply, it is the end that faces "up" when the tremolo unit is used.) Access to it is a little tight, so be careful not to let the soldering iron touch or ruin any other parts. Also, be very careful not to let any heated solder drip into the canister.

3. Fill the syringe with Windex, and, watching the markings on the syringe, inject 1.5cc (1.5 milliliters) of Windex into the canister - filling it exactly halfway. When inserting the syringe's needle into the canister, you may need to pierce the rubber gasket immediately within the canister's fill hole. Do this with care. A sewing needle or push-pin may help to gently pierce the gasket before inserting the syringe needle.

Note: If the needle on your syringe isn't long enough to reach the canister, you may need to get creative. If you need to bend the needle on the syringe, slide a guitar string into the needle, bend it, then remove the guitar string. This will allow you to create a bend without kinking the needle.

4. With 1.5 ml of fluid in the canister, temporarily seal the canister's fill hole. This can be done with a small piece of masking tape. This will allow you to go back in to fine-tune the level of fluid.

5. Reassemble the tremolo unit and try it. While it is running, tilt the tremolo unit slightly from side to side. If the tremolo sounds stronger when tilted you have too little or too much fluid. It should be easy to determine which by noticing that the internal "guitar signal" pin is not in the center of the canister (see below). Unplug the unit and adjust the fluid level. (You'll notice at this point that the critical advantage of using a syringe is that it allows you to accurately add or remove fluid.)

6. Add or remove some fluid, as needed, and repeat steps 4 and 5. Once the fluid level is allowing the tremolo to sound its strongest, permanently reseal the canister by resoldering the canister hole.

Tip: On several of my DeArmond units I used a small brass pin or tiny brass screw to help seal the fill hole. Place it in the hole - the head will prevent it from falling through. Then solder over the head. This makes it easier to reseal, and it's a nice trick to help get back into the canister when that becomes necessary again in the future.

Adjusting the fluid level

As mentioned, after you fill the canister halfway the first time, reassemble and run the unit to test it. You will hear the "fullest" tremolo sound simply by tilting the unit to one side or the other when it is running. This does essentially the same thing as adding or removing fluid. If it sounds better when tilted, you need to add or remove fluid. You can determine which. Notice that the canister's internal pin is not in the exact center of the canister. If the tremolo sounds stronger tilted towards the pin, you need to add some fluid. If it sounds stronger tilted away from the pin, you need to remove some fluid.

The goal, of course, is to adjust the fluid level so that the tremolo sounds its fullest when it is sitting level. While you are in there... add a drop of oil to the hub of the rubber-edged wheel (it can sometimes bind). Also oil the other linkages and moving parts. Keep oil away from the rubber edge of the wheel and the tapered pin, or just wipe it clean if you accidentally apply oil there. Spray electronic contact (DeoxIT) cleaner into the potentiometer to prevent scratchy sounds.

Replacing the power cord

As mentioned, the power cords on DeArmond units often crack and can be dangerous. Replacing one is relatively easy. Buy a brown extension cord at the hardware store and cut off the socket end. Extension cords are easy to find, inexpensive, color-accurate, and will give you a new cord with a molded 2-prong plug, ready to install. Of course, if power cord replacement is needed, you must do this step first, since you will need to plug it in to test the tremolo after you refill the canister.

Contact me? This site is in no way affiliated with the DeArmond or Rowe Industries. I have a personal collection of DeArmond tremolo units - it's simply a personal interest. I am not an amp tech, although I sometimes help people, through email, restore their units. Especially, I prevent people from mistakenly messing with liquid mercury, or otherwise ruining these units. It's my contribution to society.

If you have a DeArmond tremolo unit that needs to be restored and you have questions not answered here, let me know. Depending on my schedule, I may or may not be able to get back to you right away - but give it a try. Also, I sometimes get the urge to add to my collection, so if you have an old DeArmond tremolo unit for sale, let me know!!

Dan

Dan Formosa < I can be contacted here © Dan Formosa 2010.

 

Jan 26 2010: Prices - How to find a DeArmond tremolo unit, and current prices, are popular questions. DeArmond tremolo units come up for sale with some frequency. You should be able to find one in good condition for anywhere between $100 (a good low price) and $250 (high but still reasonable price), depending on condition. The gray plastic 60B units can be found in the lower range ($100+) and use the same tremolo mechanism. If the unit has been recently restored (a process that takes about an hour, assuming you've had some practice), prices may be on the higher side. Ebay frenzy can drive prices much, much higher - so patience helps. If you're really lucky (like my pal Craig) and you like yard sales you can possibly find a 601 model in absolutely perfect condition for $2.00 - more on that one later.

Last update: June 19, 2010

 

Background: Dan Formosa is a consultant in product design. He holds a Ph.D. in ergonomics and biomechanics. He has designed a wide range of items for companies worldwide, He started his career by being a member of the product design team for IBM's first personal computer. Working with XM he developed the interface for satellite radio in the US. His original design and ergonomics work for OXO GoodGrips kitchen tools gained worldwide recognition in design. He helped Ford design the SmartGauge, an automobile instrument panel that helps drivers save gas by providing feedback on their performance, not just the car's performance – available on Ford's 2010 hybrids. Dan's work is included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Aside from DeArmond tremolos, he has a collection of vintage Gretsch guitars, '60s Vox amps and '50s Rickenbacker M-series amps. On a different note, Dan recently co-authored and illustrated the "Baseball Field Guide," a book clearly explaining and illustrating the complex rules of Major League Baseball. www.baseballfieldguide.com